Supermarket chain Publix has reported a 5.1 per cent increase in sales for the first quarter, at $15.8 billion.  

However, its net earnings of $1 billion represented a 26 per cent drop from $1.4 billion over the same quarter last year. 

Publix’s earnings per share dipped from 41 cents a year ago to 31 cents this year. 

“I’m proud of our associates for continuing to make us a leader in our industry by providing premier service to our customers,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy.